'#pdsreflections' Tagged Posts (Page 12)
LIFE (JOHN 20)
I just love the gospel of John which is so simple to understand yet as deep as the ocean in its theology. John 20 reveals to us John’s purpose in composing this book–that people would read it and choose to believe in Jesus as their Savior. The last part of v. 31 stood out to me – “have life in his name”. It it true that belief in Jesus brings eternal life for anyone making that step of faith. The…
CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD (JOHN 17)
As we read John 17, we see Jesus’ priestly prayer as he intercedes on behalf of his disciples and all believers yet to come. When I read this passage, I see the intimacy of the relationship between the Son and the Father. And it moves me. Here is a conversations between the persons of the God head. It challenges me to think of prayer beyond a set time or circumstance to continual conversations with my Abba Father throughout the day.…
WHAT IS HISTORIC? (#ASKPD)
Any election can be a very important time in the history of a local community or the large scope of a nation. I’ve heard this election described numerous times as “historic.” It may certainly have some significant ramifications on Christian liberties & godly commands and principles. But in the overall course of history, how long will it be remembered? 20 years? Even significant parts of history are no longer remembered by the masses any longer. What is truly historic?
DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED (JOHN 14)
There is much that can distress our hearts and minds today. Just think through the social and political turmoil over the last year. Then we add to that the daily events in our lives that tug at our hearts and minds to worry and be anxious. Jesus calls us to a different path – “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He calls us to rest in him and trust in him. It’s not always easy, but it gives a…
YOUR WILL BE DONE (JOHN 12)
Your will be done. Can we honestly say that? Is that our prayer and mindset everyday? That not matter what comes our way that we willingly surrender our own will, our own plans, to the will of the Father? In 1 John 2:6, John calls us to walk as Jesus walked. As we read from John 12 today, we get a glimpse of what that looks like. Jesus lived in complete surrender to the will of the Father, to the…
RESPONDING TO BAD LEADERS & LAWS (#ASKPD)
Sunday we covered the subject of civil disobedience (for that message, please see the link below). Let’s continue that subject a bit asking: “How do we respond to bad leaders & bad laws?” What part can we play in our society as citizens? And what should be our ultimate concern? This is a huge topic that even these few moments here won’t exhaust. Yet, we’ll give a few answers to these questions. “To Obey or Not Obey? That’s the Dilemma.”…
AMAZED AT GOD
As I think on God and read various passages of Scripture, I am continually amazed by our God, particularly his response toward us. In these days of chaos, I am reminded of the sovereignty of God. I wonder what the disciples thought at Jesus was on trial and headed to the cross. All their plans for him, all their plans had gone up in smoke so to speak. God of course had a bigger plan. I so appreciate the grace…
LESSONS FROM OUR KIDS
I often joke that I am going to write a book someday about all the lessons my kids teach me about my relationship with God and how we as adults often react to him. Perhaps I will, but I came across such an excerpt on Facebook today that I’d like to share with you about our relationship with God.
WITNESSES (JOHN 5)
John 5 is a great chapter on the deity of Jesus. Remember John’s purpose in writing was to show Jesus as the Son of God and lead people to believe in him so they might have eternal life. Take a moment to read the chapter and then watch this on a crucial chapter in the Gospels to the theology of Jesus deity. John 5 NET
LET’S BE HONEST
“Hi, how are you?” The typical Sunday morning greeting or really a typical everyday American greeting. And this is usually followed by, “I’m good.” “I’m fine.” “I’m doing well.” “Thanks for asking. How are you?” And this is followed usually by the same answers. Are we really though? Are we really doing good? Are we really fine? Are we really well? The truth is that we often keep our brokenness, our hardships, our tears and fears bottled up and hidden…
#CONVENIENTcHRISTIANITY
I normally publish a video during on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with a passage or question to focus on to encourage and equip the church. Wednesdays, I focus usually an answering a question. As I was thinking on what I might cover today, I kept coming back to our subject on Sunday (#ConvenientChristianity) as we focus on this study Rooted (Grounded in the Word. Prepared for the Future.). As I was preparing last week for Sunday, I came across an…
GOD DOES CARE FOR YOU (1 PETER 5)
In 1 Peter 5, we find a number of verses that are well known to us. They remind us about the spiritual warfare that is present in our world today that is often in the background and may even by the source of our sufferings. In the midst of these trials and difficulties though, we are reminded that God does care for us. Take a moment to read the passage and then watch this video. 1 Peter 5 NET
FOREIGNERS, ALIENS, EXILES (1 PETER 2)
Foreigner. Exile. Alien. We’re not talking about immigration policy or the next ET film. We’re actually talking about believers. Yes, Peter says that we, believers, are foreigners, exiles, and aliens. What does he mean? Take a moment to read the chapter and then watch this video. 1 Peter 2 NET
GOOD, EVIL & ABSOLUTE TRUTH
The problem of good and evil has been ongoing for centuries. People are particularly confounded about how to tackle this issue as they see the evil and the world and read about the goodness of God in the Scriptures. I was disturbed recently by a statement a fellow graduate school student made. Why? Take a moment to watch.
NO GREATER JOY (3 JOHN)
Third John is a short little book, just 15 verses, yet there are some very meaningful texts that we miss in this often over looked epistle. One in particular has meant much to me as a father and as a pastor. Which one is it and why does it mean so much? Take a moment to watch. 3 John NET
LOVE IN ACTION (1 JOHN 4)
Love. It has often been defined by Hollywood but God gives us a better definition of what love is and then calls us to love. He calls us not just to an emotion though but to action which displays our love for one another. Read 1 John 4 and then take a moment to watch. 1 John 4 NET
LOVE & CONFORMITY (1 JOHN 2)
First John 2 has a number of well-known passages. One of those is vv. 15-17 where we are told not to love this fading world. Throughout the book of 1 John, the apostle calls us to fellowship with God and notes those things that either prohibit it or who that someone doesn’t have a relationship with him. Where does our love lie? Are we cookie cutters of our culture. Take a moment to watch. 1 John 2 NET
LIVING TO EQUIP (TITUS 2)
Paul as he writes this letter to Titus whose working with those in Crete encourage him to teaching the people what behavior is befitting the gospel, their new life in Christ. Through these verse, we see not only the challenge to godly living to be examples to those around us. By doing so, we equip one another to walk more intune with the footsteps of Jesus. Take moment to read Titus 2 & then watch. Titus 2 NET
WHAT IS UNITY – EPHESIANS 4 (#ASKPD)
In a world that seems disunified more than ever, the subject of unity keeps coming up in the church and the reminder to strive for it. Could we define it though if we were asked to or tell others what it looked like? I’m grateful that God in Ephesians 4 gives us a picture of what it looks like and describes it for us. Take a moment to read the chapter and then watch. Ephesians 4 NET
MOST USEFUL TOOL (2 TIM 3-4)
I’ve read many articles over the years about the most useful tools to have in your tool box. There is one that completely trumps them all. Take a moment to watch and see what I’m talking about. 2 Timothy 3-4 NET